UAE to introduce first cross-emirate...

Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah join forces to expand tourism offerings

The UAE will introduce its first cross-emirate hiking trail, connecting Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah with a multi-day trekking experience and overnight camping.

A first-of-its-kind integrated adventure, the proposed trail will connect the two emirates’ existing trail networks spanning mountain ranges close to the Oman border, as well as ancient wadis (valleys), coastal areas and desert.

The trail is part of a collaboration between Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Fujairah Adventures, which will see the two northern emirates expand and connect their tourism offerings.

The aim is to create “meaningful connections between landscapes, communities and cultures in ways that we’ve never seen before,” says Brent Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer at RAKTDA.

Tourism offerings will include multi-day trekking experiences that lead to adventure hotspots and overnight camping at mountain settlements.

The UAE's northernmost emirate, Ras Al Khaimah is home to Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the emirates, as well as an array of adventure hotspots, including the world's longest zipline, and a 97 km hiking network. This includes Jebel Jais Rim Trail, a 40 km loop that features the UAE’s longest balcony walk and ridge trail with sweeping views of coastal mangroves and the Hajar Mountains extending into Oman.

World's longest zipline at Jebel Jais in RAK

Neighbouring Fujairah also has an extensive hiking trail network and many upgraded trails, including Altaybbah Historic Route, an ancient trade passage that links mountain villages. For those seeking variety, the Seven Summits Hike offers Fujairah city and coastal views, while Wadi Al Dahir Hike leads walkers to sulphur pools and the Wadi Al Abadilah trail offers lush canyon and year-round streams.

Amr Zein Eddin, Fujairah Adventures Center Manager, said: “This collaboration highlights the rich culture and heritage of both emirates, ensuring that adventure tourism is deeply rooted in the authentic experiences and history that define our regions.”

Fujairah in the UAE

Both emirates have positioned themselves as adventure destinations in the region and the partnership aims to tap into the fast-growing adventure tourism sector while also highlighting the region’s rich culture and heritage.

The adventure tourism sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15% globally over the next five years, and in the UAE is predicted to reach AED30 million by 2030, contributing up to 35% of the Middle East’s total tourism revenue.

In 2024, RAK welcomed around 1.3 million visitors, and Philips said that the emirate is looking at “tripling the number of tourists in the destination to get over 3.5 million” by the end of the decade.

For more information, visit fujairahadventures.ae and raktda.com

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